CNBC
The $3 trillion oil market has just gotten more accessible than ever: No longer a 'rich man's game'
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Oil futures contracts with smaller minimum investments are now available through online brokerages and exchange-traded funds, allowing individual investors to participate in the oil market previously accessible mainly through larger institutional trades. The CME Group introduced micro crude oil futures contracts with lower capital requirements than standard contracts. Several brokerages now offer fractional share trading in oil-focused ETFs, reducing entry costs for retail investors. These products remain subject to the same price volatility and leverage risks as traditional oil trading instruments.